Gordon Smith RIP

[Steve kirk]

Heard that Gordon Smith who played 79 games at right back for the Villa between 1976 and 1978 has passed away, always makes me very sad when we lose one of ours, god bless Gordon.

[Witton Warrior]

Will always remember him as a good. solid player.
Best memory is him was swearing profusely at Brian Little for losing the ball in a League Cup match, such language!

Thanks Gordon and hope your family know that Villans everywhere will be thinking of you.

[cdbearsfan]

RIP.

[pooligan]

Very sad to hear the death of Gordon Smith, i liked Gordon .RIP

[Pat McMahon]

Really sad to hear this. A solid player, not spectacular. I remember him being good mates with Andy Gray.

I also remember a photo of him in the programme wearing a really awful multi coloured kipper tie that I also owned- from C&A or somewhere similar. Imagine a footballer now owning the same tie as a 15 year old boy (or shopping at C&A)?

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Bloody hell, that's shocking news.

59 is no age but after a quick search apparently he died from throat cancer.

Apart from being a very useful player, Gordon was a lovely bloke. He lived just around the corner from my folks and he'd always answer the door to us school kids wanting his autograph. One lucky mate called round there and Gordon having signed asked my mate if he wanted Ray Graydon's too. Just like magic, up pops Ray and he ends up having a chat with Gordon and Ray on the doorstep about all things Villa.

There's a lovely photo of 77 League Cup 2nd replay with Gordon celebrating, winners tankard in hand. Not only was it one of my favourite ever games, it was due to so many injuries, a game on paper we really shouldn't have won but thanks to the likes of players like Gordon Smith, we fought the odds and came out deservedly the victors.

RIP Gordon. A true 110%er.

[The Left Side]

RIP Gordon

[steamer]

Hard to believe, great guy. Solid fullback.

[manic-road]

RIP Gordon indeed, way to young.

[kippaxvilla2]

Wasn't it Gordon's cross for Little' winner in that League Cup Final?

[Big Dick Edwards]

Wasn't it Gordon's cross for Little' winner in that League Cup Final?

Yes.

[ChicagoLion]

Thanks Gordon RIP

[Leighton]

I always hear great things about the 76 side. I was only born in 75 so couldn't get to many games on my own because the buses were a bit shit coming from the Shelfield area, but it sounds to me that the  76 side are held in such very high esteem. I know my big brother always says they were possibly more entertaining than the championship winning team of five years later.

If so, then Gordon Smith must have been a very worthy and proud member of a great Villa era. RIP.

[PeterWithesShin]

RIP Smudger. A player I only vaguely remember, but would have been in the team when I started going to VP.

[villan from luton]

I remember Gordon Smiths first appearance in a Villa shirt at start of 76/77 season ans he was superb in a 4-0 victory v West Ham, made him my MOTM. He was more right footed, but played left back and was a great member of what I consider the most exciting Villa team of my lifetime. May you RIP Villan